Bias-cutting machine



July 4, 1944. E. B. cAsE 2,352,937

BIAS-CUTTING MACHINE Filed June 9, 1945 1o sheets-sheet 1 Julyv 4, 1944.E. B. cAsE BIAS-CUTTING MACHINE Filed June 9, 1943 10 Sheets-Sheet 2/n/roer 50W/veo .5. CASE,

July 4', 1944. y y E. B; CASE 2,352,937

BIAS-CUTTING MACHINE Filed June 9, 194s 1o sheets-sheet s l' 74 @i /75 fHTTOEA/EK July 4, 1944. E, B, CASE 2,352,937

BIAS-CUTTING MACHINE Filed June 9, 1943 l0 Sheets-Sheet 4 July 4, 1944.E. B. cAsE BIAS-CUTTING MACHINE Filed June 9, 194s 10 Sheetsf-Sheet 6www 4771912 MEM July 4, 1944. E. B. CASE Bus-CUTTING MACHINE 1.0Sheets-Sheet 7 F1'.1 edA June 9, 1945 July 4, 1944. E. B. ctAsE-BIAS-CUTTING MACHINE Filed June 9, 1945 l0 Sheets-Sheet 8.

- Fuy 4g Ea @ASE BIAS-CUT-rme MACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheef. 9

Filed June 9, 1943 a .ZZ

/M/ewroe: Eon/A en 5. CASE, /@LM Patented `luly 4, 1944 UNTED STATESFTENT OFFICE 2,352,937 yBins-cU-'lrrnsin MACHINE Edward B. Case, St.Louis, Mo. l Application June 9, 194:3,` SerialvNo. 490,135

36 Claims.

without stretching and then winding the same in a uniformly tensionedrollagain without any stretching of the cloth'.

My invention has for a further object theV provision oi a bias-cuttingmachine having unique cloth delivering mechanism, whose rate of travelmay be faci-lely synchronized with all other moving parts of the'machine, the machine also including unique means whereby the approximatepredetermined rate of delivery travel for Va selected width of bias-cutmaterial-or a selected or desired angularity ofv bias may be visuallydisclosed to the operator.

My invention has for another object-the provision of a bias-'cuttingmachine-having a cutting assembly readily adjustable for varying thebiasangle of the cut cloth, the machine being also characterized' by theinclusion of unique mech'- anism for winding the bias-cut cloth in rollsuniformly tensioned throughout and readily removable from the machinefor convenient use.

iviy invention has for still another object the provision of abias-cutting machiney embodying unique means for delivering the goodsYon the straight to the cutting assembly, then effecting a cutting on thebias of the fed cloth, and then, without interruption, advancing ordelivering the bias-cut cloth to winding rolls located in spacedrelation from, and disposed in angular relation to the path of 'travelof the straight cloth to, the cutting mechanism. The delivery mechanism,I- may herest'ate, is preferably characterized by the inclusion of anendless` belt capable of performing the dual function of (l) drawing theuncut cloth in the form of av tube spirally along an expandingstationary mandrel until the clothv is acted upon by the cutter andthen, as mentioned, 2) carrying the cut cloth to Wind-up mechanismdisposed at a selectedv angle oblique to the mandrel, the machine being,Capable of eiciently producing bias-cutA cloth of either heavy or lightWeight without stretching. the. material in any direction. y

And with the 'above and other obie'c'tsview, my invention resides in thenovel features of I ward portion of the machine ;Y

form, construction, arrangement, and combination ci parts presentlyvdescribed and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a plan viewof a bias-cutting machine embodying my invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the forward portion of themachine;

Figure 3. is an enlarged` detail. sectional view of the machineA takenapproximately on the line 3 3, Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side elevational viewvk of the rear portion of themachine, as. indicated by the line.

Figure 5 is an enlarged rear elevational View of the' machine, as'vindicatedby the line 5 5, Figure l;

Figure 6 is an enlarged side elevationalview of the rear portion ofthemachine opposite to thatshown in Figure 4,. asindicated by the line 6 5,Figure 1; ,n

Figure 7 is an enlarged detail longitudinal sectional View of themachine takenv approximately on the line 1 1, Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a like view taken-,approximately on the line 8 8, Figure 7;

Figure 9` is a detail view of one of the mandrel bearings of themachine;

Figure 10 is an enlarged side elevational View' of the, forward end ofthe; machine; as indicated by the line IU I0 Figure 1; f

Figure 11 isa detail sectionall viewl approximately on the line Il l If,Figure 10;k

Figures 12 and 13 are enlarged end and side elevational views of themachine, asindicated by the lines l2 |2 and I3 I3 respectively,r Figurel; i

Figure 14 is ajfurther. enlarged detail sectional View approximately on.the line 14.-14, Figure 13;

Figure 15 is aV horizontal sectional plan. view of the machine taken'.on a plane just below .the upper rails of the machine-framework and`approximately at the central region of theo-machine;

Figure y 16 is ``a reduced transverse sectional view of the machinetaken approximately"on*the` line lB-IG; `Figure 15;`

Figure 17 is an enlarged plan ViewA of the for- Figure 18 i'satransverse sectional view taken approximately on the line I8" l8,Fig'ure I' Figure 19 is an enlarged fragmental planview,

Figure 20 is a horizontal plan View, partly in section, takenapproximately on the line -20, Figure 2;

Figures 21, 22, 23, and 24 are detail sectional views takenapproximately on the lines 2I-2I, 22-22, 23-23, and 24-24, respectively,Figure 20;

Figure 25 is a fragmentary elevational View, illustrating, on anenlarged scale, some of the mechanism employed for elevating a belttensioning-bar;

Figure 26 is an enlarged plan view of the central portion of themachine;

Figures 27 and 28 are enlarged sectional views taken on the lines2'I-2'I and 28-28, respectively, Figure 26, the cloth-tube for biascutting being shown also in Figure 27;

Figure 29 is a fragmental detail view of the rotary cutting knifeassembly of the'machine;

Figure 30 is an inverted plan view illustrating the cutting knifeassembly; and

Figures 3'1 to 37, both inclusive, are so-called diagrammatical viewsillustrating the successive steps in a bias-cutting operation aseffected by the machine of my invention.

Referring now more in detailand by reference characters to the drawings,which illustrate a preferred embodiment Vof my invention, the machineincludes, brieflystated, a suitable rigid main stationary framework orbase A, a clothtube supporting mandrel B, cloth-tube unwinding mechanismC, a cloth-cutting assembly D, means, generally indicated E, forcontrolling and indexing the cloth-unwinding mechanism C, and means,generally designated K, for winding the bias-cut cloth-strips into rollform. A second or auxiliary framework, generally designated F, ad-

justable angularly relatively to the base or Vmain framework A about apivot-pin G, is supported for movement on corner-rollers 93, as morefully presently appears, and mounted for travel on the framework F, isan endless belt, generally, with its associated parts or members,designated H, the framework F also supporting the rolls comprising thecloth-winding mechanism K and gearing L, whereby the belt H and rollsare driven from a suitable source'of power, such as a motor M, as bestVseen in Figures 4 and 15.

A brief preliminary description now of the function and purpose of themachine may facilitate and enable a clear understanding of its structureand co-operable parts. For such purpose, reference ris made particularlyto Figures 31 to 37, b'oth inclusive.

Figure 31 illustrates a bolt of cloth a which is to be cut. on the bias,the woof and warp of cloth a, being initially on the straight, as iswell understood. The cloth a is accordingly first unrolled, folded overa longitudinally upon itself, and then stitched, as at s, along itsslightly overlapped margins aa', and thereby put into tubular form a",illustrated in Figure 32. Obviously, if the cloth to be acted upon hasbeen woven in tubular form, the stitching s is dispensed with. Y'

The cloth-tube a" is now layer-wise arranged in a bin I3 of theunwinding mechanism C, and its free end disposed for tube-feeding on themandre1 B, as is illustrated in Figure 33. The tube a is now shifted bythe endless belt |46 along the mandre1 B to the cutter assembly D, therotary cutting blade VI I6 of which, as shown in Figure 34, ispositioned obliquely to the direction of tube-feeding. i

The endless belt assembly H, which parallels the cutting blade IIS,carries the now bias-cut cloth a3 forwardly to the winding mechanism K,

Figures 35 and 36, with the result that the roll of cloth a initially onthe straight, shown in Figure 31, becomes the roll of cloth a3 on thebias, illustrated in Figure 37.

Reverting now to the machine proper, the main framework A includes apair of upper and lower rails I and 2, respectively, suitably joined atintervals by uprights 3 having laterally extending feet or flanges 4 forsecurement to a foundation or other support. At their left-hand end, asviewed in Figure 1, the rails I, 2, are welded or otherwise secured to afixed standard 5, to and upon the upper face of which is suite ablyweldedor otherwise secured the supporting structure of the mandre1 B,such supporting structure, in turn, comprising opposed channel bars Eextending longitudinally of framework A and braced and held together bya plurality of cross-rods l. As indicated at 8, two of the componentchannels 6 end short of the right-hand end of the mandrel B for reducingweight, desirable since the mandrel supporting frame itself isunsupported at the right beyond a diagonally disposed brace member 9located as far to the right of the left end of base A as feasible.

As shown in Figure 2, the upper rails I of base A terminate short of thelower rails 2 and support a rectangular table Ill, upon which theclothtube a" may travel from the feeding apparatus C to the mandrel B,the extended lower rails 2, as best seen in Figure; 20, being joined attheir forward end by a transverse rail 2.

The-unwinding apparatus C includes a preferably vcircular turntable IIprovided upon its upper face with fixed blocks I2 suitably arranged fordetachably engaging the bin or container I3 for the cloth to be cut. Asillustrated particularly in Figures 20, 23, and 24, the turntable II issupported primarily on a bolster I4 fixed to the lower frame-rails 2rand provided centrally with a bearing-plate I5 for co-operation with acompanion bearing I6 fixed to and upon the under side of the turntableII, a `pivot pin I'I having threaded engagement at its upper end in themember I6 and loosely projecting through registering apertures I8, I8',respectively, in the bolster I4 and in a sub-bolster I9 also rigid withthe frame-rails 2. Preferably, it may be mentioned, the turntable vI Iis additionally supported for facile turning movement by interposedrollers 20 mounted in brackets 2I fixed to end-rail 2 and to thesub-bolster I 9, as shown. Thus the turntable I I is supported centrallyand also at intervals near its periphery, so that its turning velocity,by means presently described, may be readily controlled or regulated.

It also may be stated here that rotary travel of the turntable I I iseffected by a suitable roller 22 ,keyed or splined toa longitudinalshaft 23 mounted for rotation in bearings 24 provided on transverse bars25 secured at spaced intervals to the framefrails 2.

`As presentlyA appears, the shaft 23 is driven by the motor M, and whilethe speed of the motor driven roller 22 isconstant, the speed ofrotation imparted thereby to the turntable I I may be varied by shiftingthe roller 22 toward or from the center of the turntable II, as will bewell understood, and it may be here noted that, in the operation of vthemachine, the cloth-tube a" advances spirally along the mandrel B.Consequently, the unwinding mechanism C must be synchronized with therate of speed at which the cloth advances along the mandrel, in order toatentos? obtain paramount results. The .means E, whereby .suchsynchronization y.is obtainable, will .now be described.

With particular reference to .Figures 1, 12, 13, and 14, a suitableplate .26 Asupported horizontally on base A has inscribed thereongraduations 21 for .indicating or vdesignating ithe approximate speed.required of the .unwinding mechanism C for a selected bias angle. Ashas been stated, the framework, F may be pivotally 'shifted to the rightorto the left about the pivot TG .for varying such `angle. It 4is to benoted, however that such variation .requiresa variation also in the rateof unwindingand .in the angularity of the cutting assembly D. .A pointer.28, .fixed to Yand upon the upper end of a vertically disposed shaft29, in conjunction with the graduations 21, functions to inform theoperator that the 'unwin'ding rate is vin approximate synchronizationwith the rate of movement v of the winding mechanism K and cutterassembly D. the approximate unwinding speeds required for various biasangularities, as indicated by the graduations 21., it being understood,having been predetermined mathematically.

Due to Variations in widths yof 4cloth to be cut, minute adjustments.between such speedsI frequently become necessary, and such adjustmentsmay be conveniently .made by the operator by the means .best seen inFigure 14. As there shown, fixed to shaft 29, is a worm gear 30, whichmeshes with a worm 34. on a shaft 3| provided with a manually engageableknob 32 and supported for rotation in a substantially channel-shapedmember 33. Adjacent its lower end, shaft I29 is provided with a fixedcollar 34, which rests on a bearing 35 secured to a frame-.rail 2, andfixed on shaft 29 at its lower extremity, is a sheave 36 permanentlyconnected, in turn, by a flexible member `31, to the rear end of a bar38 which extends from the unwinding apparatusI C to the controlapparatus E, so that rotary motion imparted to shaft 29 will shift thebar 38-to thev right or left in conjunction with means, now to bedescribed, which forms part of the unwinding apparatus C, and which isillustrated particularly in Figures and 21.

Secured at one end to the other or forward ments while the machine snotin operation and for slowing down and eventually stopping unwinding. Insuch connection and referrmg particularly to Figures 12 and 1-3, it isnoted that treadle :53 tis located 1in proximity to the adjusting knob32 and that the 'free end thereof is vyielilingly maintained manvelevated position by of a suitable 'spring '5i attached to a cross-brace52. A Y'chain or other flexible memfber 53 attached yat an end tothetreadle 5t and reeved over a -sheave or pulley 54 mounted on theEcross-brace 52 and under a similar sheave mounted on thebase A, yasshown., is secured, as at 5e, to the forward end of a lshifftablebar 51,similar and parallel to, and locateddirectly above, the bar 38. At itsother or rear end, bar Figure 2Q, is provided with a horizontallydisposed 'pin to which is fastened a chain or other suitable .iiexiblemember 59, las well as 'also a coil spring 69 and another 'chain orflexible member :61, the Vbars S8-and 51 being supported at intervalsalong the length of base -A by the arrangement detailed in Figure 22anddeSignated `62. l Member 555 passes over a sli-cave 63 mounted, asshown, on bolster le, and is secured, as at 64, tothe free end of an-oblliquely disposed suitably elongated plate 6'5 hinged, as at B5, to abracketplate 61 fixed suitably on the frame A. Normally, whether themachine be lidle or in operation, plate 55 rests at its free end uponthe floor or foundation, la slight clearance obtaining therebetween andthe rounded lower extremity of turntable pivot pin -I1,- Figure 24.

'i't may be her-e stated that the spring 60, anchored, as at 5B', tobase rail '2, has two functions, vin that 'the spring 6B normallyvyieldirigly maintains the plate in its position illustrated end of thebar 33, is a exible member in the form of a suitable cable or chain 39reeved around sheaves 4i! and 4l and secured atits opposite end to ahorizontally disposed plate 42 endwise shiftable in a slideway 43 fixedto a horizontally disposed platform 44, in turn, secured to the lowerrails 2 of base A, as shown.

Suitable coil springs 45, anchored at one end upon platform-pins 46 andat their. other end vto slide or plate pins 41, function at all times toyieldingly shift the slide 42 to the left and against an angular stop 48fixed to the slideway 43. Obviously, therefore, the springs 45yieldingly maintain the chains or other flexible members 31 and 3e taut,so that manipulation ofthe wormgear 3@ will shift the slide 42 either tothe right or to the left, and hence roller 22, which is splined or keyedto shaft 23 intermediate upstanding angular brackets 49 fixed to theslide d2, may be selectively shifted toward or from the center of theturntable Il for increasing. or diminishing the speed of rotationthereof.

Now, since difficulty might be encountered in shifting the drivingroller 22 with the weight of the turntable Il thereon, a treadle 5i! andits associated parts permit the operator. to. elevate the turntable llfor making such speed adjustin Figure 24, and, in addition, yieldinglymain-A tains the free end of an auxiliary trea'dle 768 in an elevatedposition, see also Figure 23, the latter enabling the operator toelevate the turntable l I and thereby prevent further unwinding of thematerial, in substantially the same manner as may be accomplished by usevof treadle 5d.

In other words, depression of either treadle 59 or treadle $8 causes theturntable il to bet elevated. The auxiliary treadle 68, however, it willbe understood, is not 'essential and may, with member 6i and rsheaves 69and 10, be eliminated without in the slightest impairing the operationof the machine.

1 Thus the approximate rate of unwinding required for a desired width ofbias-cut material is readily 'obtairiable. The operator -depressestrea'dle 5B, consequently elevating turntable l! out of contact withroller 22, manually rotates knob 32 until pointer 28 indicates theproper graduation 21, and thereupon releases the treadle 5l).-Y If,during machine operation, the rate of unwinding does not synchronizerperfectly with the moving parts of the machine, minute adjustments 'maybe effected merely by actuations of the knob 32 and without stopping themachine.`

Since, as previously noted", the cloth-tube d to be cut advancesspirally toward the cutter'D, for reasons presently'stated, theimportance of maintaining the cloth-tube a prior to engagement upon themandrel B in an untwisted con-4 dition is evident. By arranging the tubea" in' the bin I3 on the turntable II in the manner shown in Figure V33,and by rotating the turntable Il in acounter-clockwise direction whilethe advancing tube a" spirals in a clockwiseV direction, -any twistingat the source of supply' is obviated, provided the` speed of theturntable has been properly regulated.

It should be noted at this time that the unwinding apparatus C functionsin conjunction with other moving parts of the machine, presentlydescribed, that is to say, the unwinding apparatus C has the duty ofconstantly supplying the mandrel B and `tubing a," in proper quantityand in untwisted form. Once the tubing a has progressed along mandrel Bto a point where the tube a reaches the cutting blade of assembly D, thetube a is then continuously drawn toward the cutting assembly D andthence carried to the wind-up mechanism K by the endless belt assemblyH.

Rotation of the roller 22 is effected by the means or mechanism bestseen in Figures 4, 15, and 16. As there shown, fixed upon the end ofshaft 23 remote from the turntable is a sheave 1|, driven by an endlesschain, cable, or the like 12 passing over a pair of pulleys 13 suitablymounted for rotation on a plate 14 forming part of frame A and throughwhich shaft 23 passes. The flexible member 12 also passes over a spoolor sheave 15, mounted for rotation, as best seen in Figure 16, upon theframe F, and also over a sheave 18 shiftably supported in a slottedbracket 16 also fixed to frame F. Anchored to the frame F and to a plate11, is a suitable spring 18 for yieldingly maintaining the flexiblemember 12 taut at all times.

The member 12 is reeved over, and driven by, a pulley 19 fixed to across-shaft 80 mounted in bearings 8| on framework F, the shaft 80, inturn, being driven by a pulley-and-belt 82 pulley 83 xed to a secondcross-shaft 84 mounted in suitable bearings 85 and driven directly frommotor M by a belt 86 engaging a large pulley 81 keyed to the shaft 84and a pulley 88 fixed to the motor shaft.

The shiftable pulley 16 insures smooth operation at all times. In otherwords, when a different bias angle is desired, framework F is shifted tothe right or to the left about the pivot G. Pulley 19 thus moves also,and belt 12 consequently reaches the sheave 16 from a different angle,any variations of such angularity being automatically taken care of byyieldingly shiftable plates 18, as will be obvious.

Referring now to Figure 16, which particularly f illustrates the mannerin which the pivot G, base A, and framework F are associated, the frameF, similar to base A, includes longitudinal upper and lower rails 89 and90 and projects through the space intervening between rails l and 2 ofbase A. A pair of spaced plates 9| connect, and are rigid with, the pairof rails 89 and 90. Similar plates 92 connect the rails and 2 in theregion of the pivot G, which passes through registering apertures in theseveral plates 9|, 92, and is threaded at its opposite ends forreceiving suitably retaining nuts g.

It may be mentioned that all weight and strain are removed from pin Gfor facilitating shifting movements of the frame F, the motor M, forconvenience, being arranged on the lower plate 9|, and threaded througha bracket 94 on rail I of frame A and having a hand or turning wheel 95at its upper end, is a suitably elongated screw or pin 96 adapted forimpingement at its lower end with, and upon the upper face of, a flatbar 91 for releasably retaining the frames A and F in angularlyadjustedposition. The bar 91, it may be added, is pivotally fastened atone end to one driven by a side of the frame F and normally atwise abuts75 atits opposite end upon a ledge onthe. like 98 on theY frame A, asbest seen inFigures 16, 12, and 13, the pin 96 being readily manipulatedfrom engagement, with bar 91 for enabling a change in the angularity orbias of, frame `F relatively to frameA.

,Having particularreference nowto Figures 1, 2, 17, .18,` and l9, themandrel B, as shown, is substantially a cantilever, and its frame orstructure 6 at its forward end comprises a cross-mem-y ber K99.Supported in advance of the structure 6.and over the table I0 by meansof a control rod |00 and angular side-braces |0| suitably fixed to themandrel-member 99, is a frusto-conical member or nose |02, which, withthe oblique brace or side members |0|, it may be here stated, and aspresently more fully appears, .function to spread orV expand the.cloth-tube a" laterally and vertically, as it were, as indicated inFigure 2, thus opening the tube a" just after it leaves the bin I2, sothat the tube a. advances smoothlyon `to themandrel B with a minimum offriction. Fixed to and upon and adjacent the opposite ends of themandrel-beams or channels 6, are opposed outwardly presented rigidbrackets |01, lll, supported by which in suitable spaced relation to thebeams 6, are longitudinally extending shafts |03, which, in turn,support preferably iixed cylindrical members or rolls |04 in a planedisposed slightly below the plane of the lower lianges of thebeams 6, asbest seen in Figure 13.

Pivotally supported on the brackets |01 and disposed upon one side ofthe mandrel B, are arms |01', which, in turn, normally support acylindrical bar or tube |08 in a plane spaced upwardly from the mandrelstructure B, as best seen in Figures 18 and 27. Y

The tube |08 is stationary or in fixed position during machineoperation. However, the arms |01 may be swingably adjusted toselectively locate the tuing |08 to meet the size requirements of anyparticular cloth-tube a. To such end, the arms |01 are rigid with orfixed to a rod |09 extending longitudinally through, and supported by,the brackets |01, selected or proper positioning of the particular tube|08 being had manually and locking or retention thereof in such adjustedor selected position being accomplished by any suitable means, such, forinstance, as the thumbscrew and bracket arrangement indicated at ||0,Figure 1.

Extending through the brackets |l| upon the opposite side of themandrel-frame 6, is a longitudinal rod normally secured against rotationby any suitable means, such as set-screws threaded for rod-engagementinthe brackets I l.

Pivotally mounted on the rod Hl at suitably spaced intervals throughoutits lengt are arms |12, which support a cylindrical bar or tube H3,which is substantially a duplicate of tube |68, except that the tube H3is readily swingable to selectively accommodate, and depending upon thecircumferential dimension of, the particular' cloth-tube a" being cut.`In other words, the tube H3, as best seen in Figures 18, 19, and 27, isnormally yieldingly or resiliently biased outwardly from the center ofthe mandrel-structure 6 by means of springs ||4 anchored at theiropposite ends in the arms |2 and the fixed rod l as shown, thelongitudinal tube |13 accordingly exerting opening or spreading tensionupon the tubing a as the latter advances spirally toward the cutter D.

Hence, it will be obvious that the machine win readily accommodatecloth-tubes of varying circumferential dimens-ions and that minorirregularities in a given length of tubing a are compensated for in asimple yet effective manner.

At their right-hand or forward end, the tubes or members |98 and i3project beyond the crossmember 99 and,'as best seen in Figures 1 andl'l,v are tapered and arcuated inwardly, as at H5, H', respectively; forfacilitating travel'ofy the particular cloth-'tube a" smoothly onto themandrel B, the'crosssectional shape or contour as-` sumed by theparticular cloth-tube a as it travels rearwardly of the machine on themandrel B being indicated by broken lines in Figure 18 and. full linesin Figure 27.

The entire cutting assembly D is so located upon the machine as to besurrounded by, or housed within, the particular cloth-tube d 'being cut,as is best seen in Figures 26 to 30, inclusive. As there shown, thecutting mechanism D includes a disc-shaped blade or cutter H6, which isremovably mounted on the shaft of a suitable motor or other prime-moverH6 mounted on a suitable bracket H1 depending from a generallyrectangular plate |r |'8 shiftabl-y supported in ways H9 secured to theframe 6. 1

Threaded at one end in a lug |29 depen-ding from the plate H3, as bestseen in Figure 28, and adjacent its opposite end being releasably oradjustably engaged by a set-screw I |2i with an apertured block |22fixed toframe 6, isa rod |23 formanual actuation for shifting' theVplate H9 for adjustably positioning the cutter H9 at any desiredlocation within the confines ol an opening |24 provided Vina suitableyrigid plate |25 xed to and upon! the under side of frame 6' and suitablyelongated' to extend at its opposite ends and longitudinally of frame Ea relatively short distancebeyond the margins oi diagonal framel F; asbest seen in Figure l.

In addition, the angularity of the blade or cutter Ilfo relatively tothe frame E vor plate i25 for varying the angle of the bias cut isinde-v pendently adjustable'and, for such purpose, the bracket H1 ispreferably suitably fixed to a prei- Verably angularly-shaped plate 425,which is mounted for oscillatory movement about a pivot pin |21 carriedby the slide H8 and provided, as best seen in Figure 25, with an arcuateslot |28 for accommodating a bolt-andwasher assembly |25 for retainingthe plate |26 and the motor and blade'supporting Ybracket ||1 in swungor oseillated position. A suitable link |36 connects thel plate |29pivotally with ani arm of a bell-cranklever 13| pivoted, as at |32, tothe under side 0I" the slide HS, and adapted at its vother orpointerarml to traverse an arcuate index |33 substantialn ly defined bya correspondingly shaped slot |34 in the plate it, anv accommodatingrecess, as at |35, for such purpose being formed in the dependinglug|26, and the biade or cutter l l being locken1 in a selected or desiredposition by means of a thumband-screw'assembly or the like $35@ Fixed,asby screws it-1, to the vertically depend-ing flange of angle bracketlil, as best seen in Figure 27', is an: angle-member |36 having arelatively wide rectangular base-portion E49 equipped with a smooth,ila-t under iace and formed with'an arcuate groove |4| for accommodatinga portion of the peripheral cutting edge' l of the blade l5, suchbase-pcfrticn iliil being taperedand rounded, as indicated at 42, sothat any wrinkling or friction that may develop inthe particuiarvcloth-tubeict as it approaches theY blade t3 is eliminated,

The endless belt Yassembly H, as shown, is supported on the framework Fand is thus disposed diagonally with respect to the mandrel B, and itmay be here mentioned that, in the successful operation of the machineat high speeds,` it is extremely important that any transverse shiftingof the belt be entirely obviated. y

. Withparticular reference now to Figures 1, '3,- 4, 6, andv 10,suitably mounted for rotation on, and disposed adjacent the oppositeends of, the framework F, are parallel driving and driven rollers |43,|44, respectively, circumferentially provided centrally intermediatetheir ends with registering V-groovesv |45, and reeved over and aroundthe driving and driven rollers |43, |44,- is asuitable endless belt |46permanently provided centrally on its under face and throughout itslength with a relatively narrow'V-strip |41= for fitting the grooves ofthe-'rollers |43, |44 And preferably also mounted for rotation on theframe F intermediate the-'rollers |43, |44, and? the upper and lowerruns f of the belt"|46g are' guide-pulleys |48, |49, correspondingly,circur'rr-Y ferentially grooved', as at |59, for engagingly ac-Icommodating the V-strip |141 of the belt |46, which, through theengagement ofl itsV-strip |41 with the pulleys |48, |49, and rollers|43, |44, is definitely retained from any` sidewise ortransverseslippage or movement with respect'to the rollers |43, |44, duringmachine' operation, a supplemental roller |52 disposed directly underthe' guide-pulley |49 for Vengagementejaga'inst rthe underside of thelower run-of the belt |46 func?y tioning as a holding-member foreliminating any tendency of the Vv-stri'p |41 tole'ave o riju'mp thegroove of' roller |44', y fr l e Y As best seen' in Figure l0, thedrivenroller |44, guide-pulley |49, and bel'tsecuring roller |52 aremounted on a platform "|53 hinge'dly 4connected, as at 154,' to across-member |55 fixed on the framework F, the platform |53'atitsfree'en'd carrying orv supporting arelativelyheavy weight |56.VHence, obviously, the endless belt |46y is maintained suciently taut,under the gravity pull ofthe weight |56, throughout machine opera tions.Y Y

As best seen in Figures 4, 10, and 11, a rope or other flexible memberhas one end fixed to the platform |53 and is then lreeved'over aA pulley|6| supported on a rigid upright |62 of the framework F, the member |60then passing through an opening provided for the purpose in l theplatform |53 f or connection ora'tta'chmen'tl at its lopposite end, asat |63, to a s heave |64 xed on a shaft |65 supported for rotation invbearings |66, as best seen in Figure l1. Alsoxed on l shaft (|65, isy asomewhat smaller' sheave |61, to,

' and thereby relieve the tautness of belt |46 while the machine is idleor while themachine is being prepared for operation.

More specically, when the belt |46 is in so?. called taut condition, asduring machine opera-` tion, the lever |19 is swung to the left, asindicated in Figure 4, and pull on platform |53 through member |68relieved or removed` Ob` viously, shifting the lever |19 to therightwill; through pull exerted through member |68, ele-l vate the platform|53 and, consequently, as previously observed, relieve the tautness ofthe endless belt |46. Any suitable means, such, for instance, as apawl-and-ratchet, or the disposition of a pin (not shown) through anapertured ear |12 on the lever |10 andalso through a selectedperforation |13 in the framework F will easily retain the lever |v in laselected swung position with pull Von platform |53 correspondinglyselected.

As best seen in Figure 4, the shaft |14 of the belt-driving roller |43is rotatably mounted or journaled at its opposite ends in a pair ofsuitably spaced side frames |15 forming substantially ar part 4of theframework E and which also support gearing L of the winding assembly Kof the machine,`

Fixed to and upon the shaft |14, is a sprocket |16, engaging with whichis a suitable chain |11, in turn, driven by a sprocket |18 fixed to theshaft 80 driven through pulley-belt-and-shaft connection with the motorM, as previously mentioned. l A

Also fixed on shaft |14 adjacent the sprocket |16, isa gear |19, whichmeshes with an idler |88 fixed on a cross-shaft |8I suitably journaledin the side-frames |15, gear |80, in turn, meshing with a gear |82 lXedon a shaft |83 also journaled in kthe side-frames |15. Fixed on shaft|83, is a winding roll |84, cooperable 'with which is a lower windingroll |85 fixed on a shaft |89A likewise J'ournaled in the side-frames|15, as also indicated in Figure '7. And, as'shown in Figures 5 and 6, arelatively smaller gear |86 is fixed on the shaft |83 for meshingengagement with an idler |81 journaled on a stub-shaft |88, and fixed onthe shaft |89 of the lower winding roll |85, is a similar gear |90,which also meshes with the idler |81. Thus,` the' upper and lower orcompanion` rolls |84and |85 are rotatably actuated at the same speed andinthe same direction.

Preferably a vbelt-andpulle'y assembly |9 best seen in Figure 5, isprovided for enabling convenient manual rotation of the winding rolls|84and|85 while preparing the machine for operation, as will be wellunderstood, the sideframes |15 being preferably joined and bracedbycross-rods |92, |93. It may be observed here that, as best seen inFiguref, the guide-pulley |48 isY preferably journaled in suitablebearings mounted on a bracket |94 preferably integral with the frames|15, a winding-roll protectingmember or rod |95 having its ends fixed inthe frames |15 and disposed in suitably spaced relationover the rolls|84,k |85, and an idler roll |98 being preferably journaled on the shaft8| intermediate the frames |15. It may also be observed here that thelower pulley |91 of the windingroll manual actuating-means is fixed on astubshaft |98 supported in bearings |99 on the frames |15, while theupper pulley 200 of such actuating means is preferably fixed towinding-roll shaft |89.Y

As the bias-cut cloth a3 leaves the machine proper, the same ispreferably wound on a tube as indicated in Figure 3'1, readily removablefrom the machine. For such purpose and as shown especially in Figures 4to 8, both inclusive, the side-frames |15 have registering rearwardlypresented extensions |15' provided upon their upper surface withco-operable slide-ways 202, shiftable in which relatively to the rolls|84, |85, is a pair of angle-blocks or members 203 provided or formed,as best seen in Figure 9, with registering sockets or seats 204providing a bearing for the end of a removable mandrel 205, around orupon which a tube 20| of required length may be sleeved.

Journaledvon the shaft |89 of the lower winding roll |85, are sheaves206, reeved over which are suitable fiexible members 201 each having anend secured to a pin or stud 208 fixed on a block 203 and its other endengaged with aL relatively heavy cross-weight 209, which function toshiftably maintain thev tube 20| firmly against the windingrolls |84,|85, during thev winding thereon of the bias-cut strips a3 as 4the clothemerges or isdelivered from the machine.

And attached to additional pins or studs 2|0 also fixed in the blocks203, are flexible members 2| |,l which are first reeved over pulleys 2|2 suitably journaled on the frame-extensions |15 and then are suitablyattached, as at 2|3, to sheaves 2|4 fixed on a rock-shaft 2|5 supportedin suit-` able bearings 2|6 on the frame-extensions |15', A relativelysmaller pulley 2|1 is xed on the rock-shaft 2|5, and hingedly attached,as at 218, to an arm 2|9, rigid with a side-frame |15, is a treadle 220,and connecting the treadle 220 with the pulley 2|1, is a suitableflexible member 22|. Obviously, therefore, depression of' treadle 220will shift the blocks 203 and the supported mandrel 205 and its roll 20|away from the winding rolls |84, |85, for `convenient replacementremoval from the machine, the'free shifting of the roll 29| relativelytothe winding rolls |84, |85, also readily permitting the winding of thebias-cut cloth a3 on the tube 20| to the desired diametrical dimensionor thickness.

As presently more fully'appears, the endless belt |46 performs the dualfunction of drawing or delivering or feeding the cloth-tube a to thecutter-assembly D for biascutting and then delivers or feeds` thebias-cut strip a3, without any stretching whatever of the cloth, to thewindingl up mechanism K, It is hence very desirable, if not reallyessential, that the upper run of the belt |49 be additionally maintainedin a taut condition against the mandrel B and plate |25 as it passesthereunder. For such purpose, a pair of angle members 222 extendlongitudinally along the base A adjacent the roll |03 of the mandrel Band are pivotally supported at an end, as at 223, on the respectiveuprights |05,'|08, as best seen in Figures 1, 2, 13, 25, 26, and 27.Each angle 222 carries a belt-engaging member 224 nicely and smoothlyrounded, as at 226, and suitably cut-out or grooved, as at 221, foraccommodating the V-strip |41, each angle member 222 being pivotallyattached at its opposite end, as at 228, to a block or member 229adjustable lengthwise slidable in a vertically disposed way 230 fixed onan upright 23| of the framework A. Fixed at an end to a lateralextension of each block or slide 229, is a suitable fiexible member 232,which is first reeved over a sheave 233 supported for rotation on upperframe-rail and then around a second sheave 234 mounted for rotation onlower frame-rail 2, as best seen in Figures 2 and 17. Ihe flexiblemember 232 on the one or socalled far side of the machine, as viewed inFigure 17, is attached at its opposite end to its cooperable sheave 234,which the fiexible member 232 on the opposite or near side of themachine, after passing under its co-operable sheave 234 and thence undera supplemental sheave 235, is fastened, as at 236, to a hand lever 231pivotally attached at an end, as at 238, on the lower framerail 2, thesheave 234 on the far s'ide of the machine and the sheave 235 on the4near side of the machine being fixed or mounted on a common shaft 239suitably iournaled in the machine framework A.

When lever 231 is disposed to the left, as indicated in Figure 2, thetensioning members or beams 224 are elevated to occupy the respectivepositions thereof illustrated in Figure 27, vthe tension on the upperrun of the bel-t |46 being thereby increased for cloth engagement, anySuitable pawl-and-ratchet arrangement or other` sui-table means, such,for instance, as the means indicated at 24d in Figure y2, 'beingemployed for maintaining the hand-lever 231 in its swung position to theleft, while the machine is in operation. When pivotally shifted to theright, the hand-lever 237 permits the blocks or'slides 229 and theangles 222 and supported tension-beams 224 to drop by gravity apredetermined distance for relieving the belt |46 of such extra tension.

suitably pivoted to the cross-member |93 ci the framework A, as bestseen in Figure e, is a clutch-actuating pedal 241| having suitableccnnection, as by means of a suitable flexible member 242 reeved oversuitable guide-pulleys 243 and 24d, with an arm or lever 2015 adapted,upon movement in one direction, for shifting a clutchmenrber on thepulley 8l' for driven connection between shaft 84 and the drivingmechanism L with the motor or other prime-mover M, previously mentioned,for setting the machine into operation.

When the machine is idle, the pedal 24| is yieldingly held in elevatedposition by means of a suitable spring 246 suitably anchored at an endto the frame F and at its opposite end rto the lever 245, as shown.Obviously, if the operator elects so to do. the clutch mentioned may besimply operated by manipulation of the lever 245, and it may be herementioned that the motor mechanism is controlled by a suitable switch(not shown), an independent switch (also not shown) being provided forclosing the circuit to the cutter mechanism D.

The operation of the forth at intervals in the Summarizing- Assumingthat the .switches of the actuating and cutting motors are in offposition, that the cloth-tube a has been properly positioned in the bini3, and that the hand-levers llt and 231 are in released position to theright, the operator pivotally or swingably iirst adjusts the movableframework F relativeliT to the main or fixed framework A at suchselected angle as will produce the desired width of cloth cut on thebias. then depresses treadle itl and manipulates handwheel 32 until thepointer 28 indicates approximately the required speed of rotation of thecioth-unwinding turntable sets the cutterassembly D and its blade l inproper cc-ordination with belt |45, and suitably expands and tensionsthe tube a" for engaging the tube a" with the belt |56 and flat plate5.25, the latter as best seen in Figure 27.

The operator, now releasing treadle 59, manually disposes thecloth-tuberi" along mandrel B until its leading margin is positioned ator adjacent the `groove ll in the foot member |38 and in approximatecutting engagement with the rotary cutter H5. Inasrnuch as the belt |455is at this time in a relatively sagging or released condition, andinasmuch as the aperture 24 in machine has beenset foregoingdescription.

plate permits convenient manipulation of the cloth-tube a, an.experienced operator may properly position the leading margin of thecloth-tube a" in a very brief period of time.

Assuming now that the cloth-tube a has been so positioned with respectto the cutter H6 and that the levers l'l and 23l`have been manipulatedto the left and the belt lllt as a whole and also its upper run suitablytensioned, the switches controlling the main motor M and cutter motorcircuits are shifted to on position, when the operator, veither manuallyor through ootactuation of the pedal 24|, shii'ts the clutch lever 245to the left, thereby setting and continuing the machine in operationuntil a sufficient length of bias-cut cloth a3 has been produced toreach the Winding mechanism K. The clutch lever 24E is now released, andassuming that a proper tube Elli has been positioned on the mandrel2El5, the'cut material a3 is at its free margin manually disposed lforwinding about the tube ttl, the treadle l22% being depressed during suchoperation for spacing the roll 265 and supported tube 29| from theWinding rolls for conveniently disposing the bias-cut cloth in windingposition upon the tube 20|.

The machine is now ready for continuous operation, and, upon actuationagain of the clutch lever 2145 and consequent closing of the circuits-of the'driving and cutter motors, will function smoothly, its capacitybeing limited only by the amount of material a which the bin i3 iscapable of containing. Obviously an indefinite number of identical rollsof material a may, be successively bias-cut without further adjustments,except such readiustments of the cloth-tube unwinding rate, which may bevery conveniently had by the means described while the machine is inoperation, the endless belt l functioning, as hasbeen previously stated,in first vspirally drawing o feeding the cloth-tube a in a straight pathor line of travel over the mandrel B to the cutting blade l5 and thenadvancing and delivering the bias-cut cloth a3 over the lframe F and ina line of travel oblique to the mandrel B `to the winding mechanism K,without any stretching whatever either of the straight-cut cloth o orthe bias-cut cloth r1.3.

Obviously, while not here shown, suitable means may be employed formaintaining the clutch pedal 24| or the .clutch lever 235 in circuitclosing position for enabling the operator to give his entire time andattention to diiierent parts .of the machine during operation oractuation, unwinding of the cloth-tube a" being readily interrupted atany time by depression of treadle 5Fl treadle S8, as previouslydescribed.

The cutting assembly D, as particularly seen in Figure 27, is enclosedWithin the tubing a, safeguarding the operator as to injury or his handsand fingers, and the various permitted adjustments of machine partspermit precise positioning of the cutter assembly D, the belt 45 beingprotected by plate ifi-il from engagement with the blade or cutter l l5and, when tensioned, as described, being in rictional or drawing contactwith the cloth at all points except in the particular cutting areadefined by such plate |42, the bot-torn or under surface of which, itmight be stated, is preferably highly polished, so that wear on the belt.Hit is negligible, actual minute clearance obtaining between belt |123and plate |43 during machine operation.

The machine has been found to be exceedingly efficient in theperformance of its intended func.- tions', and it is to be understoodthat changes and modications in the form, construction, arrangement, andcombination of the several parts of the machine may be made andsubstituted for those herein shown and described without departing fromthe nature and principle of my invention.

' Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secureby Letters Patent is:

1. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a cutter, amandrel, and means comprising an endless belt arranged for travel in alinear path extending in advance of, under, and rearwardly of, thecutter and mandrel for feeding the uncut cloth to, and shifting the cutcloth from, the cutter.

2. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a cutter, amandrel, and means comprising an endless belt reeved over and aroundspaced rollers for travel in a linear path extending in advance of,transversely under, and rearwardly of, the cutter and mandrel forfeeding the uncut cloth to the cutter along one line of travel and forcarrying the cut cloth from the cutter along a different line of travelangularly disposed to the rst line of travel.

3. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a mandrel, a cutterdisposed intermediate the length and in the plane of the mandrel, andmeans comprising an endless belt reeved over and about spaced rollersfor travel in a linear path extending in advance of, transversely under,and rearwardly of, the cutter for shifting the cloth spirally in uncuttube form along the mandrel to and about the cutter and then shiftingthe cut cloth in strip form from the mandrel.

4. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a cutter, amandrel, and means comprising an endless belt for feeding the uncutcloth in tube form along and about the mandrel and also enclosinglyabout the cutter for slitting engagement by the cutter with the lowerrun of the cloth-tube during feeding thereof.

5. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a cutter, amandrel, means comprising an endless belt for feeding a tubiform clothalong and about the mandrel and also enclosingly about the cutter, andmeans for spacing the lower run of the moving cloth from the belt forslitting engagement therewith by the cutter.

6. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a cutter-assemblycomprising a rotary blade, a mandrel, means comprising an endless beltfor feeding a tubiform cloth along and about the mandrel and alsoenclosingly about the cutterassembly, and a plate forming part of thecutterassembly and slotted for blade-accommodation for elevating thelower run of the moving cloth from the belt for slitting engagementtherewith by the cutter.

7. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a mandrel, a cutterdisposed intermediate the length and in the vertical plane of themandrel, a rotary table for supporting at an end of the mandrel inlayerwise formation a length of tubiform cloth for cutting, and meanscomprising an endless belt adapted for travel in a linear pathtransversely of the mandrel and cutter for shifting the tubiform clothfrom the table and to and about the mandrel and enclosingly about thecutter for slitting.

8. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a mandrelstructure, a cutter disposed intermediate the length and within themandrelstructure, a rotary table for supporting at an end of the mandrelin layerwise formation a length o1 tubiform cloth for slitting, andmeans com- 75 prising an endless belt reeved over and around spacedrollers for travel in a linear path crosswise of the mandrel and cutterfor shifting, the tubiform cloth from the table and spirally along andabout the mandrel to and about the cutter for slitting and then shiftingthe slit cloth angularly from the mandrel.

9. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a mandrelstructure, a cutter disposed intermediate the length and within themandrelstructure, a rotary table for supporting at an end of the mandrelin layerwise formation a length of tubiform cloth for slitting, meanscomprising an endless belt reeved over and about spaced rollersangularly located on opposite sides of the mandrel for travel in astraight path in advance of, crosswise under, and to the rear of, themandrel and cutter for shifting the tubiform cloth from the table andspirally along and about the mandrel to and about the cutter forslitting the lower run thereof and then shifting the cut cloth from themandrel, and means for actuating the belt and table in synchronism.

10. A bias-cutting machine including, bination, a mandrel structure, acutter intermediate the length and within the structure, a rotary tablefor supporting at an end of the mandrel in layerwise formation a lengthof tubiform cloth for slitting, means comprising an endless belt adaptedfor travel in a linear path crosswise of and under the mandrel andcutter for feeding the tubiform cloth from the table and to and spirallyabout the mandrel to and about the cutter for slitting the lower runthereof and then shifting the cut cloth angularly from the mandrel,means for actuating the table and belt, and means for selectivelyindexing the rotary speed of the table relatively to the longitudinalspeed of the traveling belt.

11. A bias-cutting machine including, bination, a cutter, a mandrel, atraveling endless belt, and means comprising shiftable members extendinglongitudinally of the mandrel for engaging the upper run of the belt fortensioning the belt for engaging the uncut cloth for shifting the clothalong the mandrel to the cutter and the cut cloth from the cutter.

12. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a frame, amandrel-structure comprising a pair of spaced longitudinally extendingrolls on the frame, a rotary cutter disposed on the mandrel-structureintermediate said rolls, a traveling endless belt, a pair of membersmounted shiftably on the frame in spaced relation to the rolls, andmeans for shifting said members for tensioning the upper run of the belttherebetween and the rolls for engaging the uncut cloth for shifting thecloth along the mandrelstructure to the cutter and the cut cloth fromthe cutter.

13. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a frame, amandrel-structure comprising a pair of spaced longitudinally extendingrolls on the frame, a rotary-cutter disposed on the mandrel-structureintermediate said rolls, a at plate disposed on the mandrel-structure inunderlying relation to, and slotted for accommodating, the cutter, atraveling endless belt, a pair of members mounted shiftably on the framein spaced relation to said rolls, and means for shifting said membersfor engaging the upper run of the belt with said plate for slittingengagement by the cutter.

14. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, main and auxiliaryframework, a manin comdisposed mandrelin comdrel-structure on the mainframework, a cutter mounted on the mandrel-structure, means comprisingan endless belt mounted for travel on the auxiliary framework` with itsupper run traveling under the cutter, and means' for longitudinallytensioning the belt for engaging the cloth for feeding the same to thecutter.

15. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, main'and auxiliaryframework, a mandrel-structure on the main framework, a cutter mountedon the mandrel-structure, spaced rolls mounted for rotation on theauxiliary framework, an endless belt traveling over said rollsfwith itsupper run under the cutter, and means vfor shifting one of said rollsrelatively to the other for longitudinally tensioning the belt forengaging the cloth for feeding the same along the mandrel-structure tothe cutter for-cutting.

16. A bias-cutting machine including, in cornbination, a main framework,an auxiliary framework 4angularly disposed to the main framework, acantilever mandrel-structure xed longitudinally on the main framework, acutter on the mandrel-structure, winding mechanism mounted on, and at anend of, the auxiliary framework. and means comprising an endless beltmounted for travel over the `auxiliary` framework and under the cutterfor feeding a tubiform cloth over and spirally. along themandrel-structure tc the cutter and the cut cloth from the cutter overthel auxiliary framework to the winding mechanism.

17. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a main framework,an auxiliary framework, a mandrel-structure fixed on the main framework,a cutter disposed on and within the mandrel-structure, and meanscomprising an` endless belt mounted for travel in a linear path on theauxiliary framework for feeding uncut cloth along and about themandrel-structure to v and about the cutter and from the cutter over theauxiliary framework, the auxiliary framework being shiftable relativelyto the main framework for varying the angularity of travel of the beltrelatively to the mandrel-structure.

18. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a main framework,an auxiliary framework, a mandrel-structure on the main framework, acutter on the mandrel-structure, and means including an endless beltmounted for travel on the auxiliary framework in a linear pathtransversely of and under the mandrel and cutter for feeding uncut clothalong and about the mandrel-structure t and :about the cutter forslitting of the lower run thereof, the cutter being shiftable relativelyto the mandrel-structure for varying the bias angle of the cut cloth.

19. Ai bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a main framework,an auxiliary framework, 'a mandrel-structure fixed on the mainframework, a V,cutter pivoted on the mandrelstructure. for angularadjustment thereof, means includingr an endless belt mounted for travelon the auxiliary framework in a `linear path transversely of Vand underthe mandrei and cutter kfor feeding the uncut `cloth along and about themandrel-structure to and about the cutter for slitting of the lower runthereof, and means for indexing the bias-cutting angularity of thecutter relatively to the mandrel-structure.

y20. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a framework,spaced rollersl on the framework, a vcutter intermediate the rollers, anendless belt traveling over the rollers for feeding cloth to the cutterfor slitting, and

means for retaining the belt from transverse slippage on the rollers.

21. A bias-cutting machine including, in` combination, a framework,spaced circumferentially grooved rollers von the framework, a cutterintermediate said rollers, an endless belt traveling over the rollersfor feeding cloth to the cutter for slitting, and means comprising aprojection disposed longitudinally on, and projecting from the innerface of, the belt for fitting the grooves in said rollers for retainingthe belt from transverse slippage on the rollers. f

22. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a framework,spaced circumferentially grooved rollersI on the framework, a cutterintermediate said rollers, circumferentially grooved guide-pulleys alsointermediate the rollers, an endless belt traveling over the rollers forfeeding the cloth to the cutter for slitting, and means comprising aV-strip disposed longitudinally on, and projecting from the inner faceof,l the rbelt for engaging the grooves in the rollers and pulleys forretaining the belt fromtransverse slippage on the rollers. v,

23. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a framework,spaced circumferentially grooved rollers on the framework, a cutterintermediate said rollers, an endless belt traveling over the rollersfor feeding the cloth to be cutto the cutter, and means for retainingthe belt from transverse slippage on the rollers, said means comprisingcircumferentiallyA grooved guide-pulleys disposed intermediate saidrollers, a V-strip disposed longitudinally on, and projecting from theinner face of, the belt for engaging the grooves in the rollers andpulleys, and fiat-faced pulleys for belt-engagement in opposed relationto said grooved pulleys.

24. A bias-cutting machine including, incombination, main and auxiliaryframework, a mandrel-structure on the main framework, a cutter mountedon and within the mandrel-structure, winding mechanism for the cutcloth, and means comprising an endless belt arranged on the auxiliaryframework for travel ina linear path transversely of and underthemandrel-structure for shifting uncut cloth to and about the cutterfor slitting and the slit cloth'from the cutter to the winding means.

25. A bias-cutting machine including,l in combination, a framework, acutter, a pair of winding rolls for the cut cloth, means for shiftinguncut cloth to the cutter for slitting and the' slit cloth from thecutter te the wind-ing rolls, la tubesupporting mandrel on the machineforl taking the'eut cloth from the rolls, :and means for retaining themandrel in operative cloth-receivingL comprising a rotary shaft for thecut cloth; means v comprising an endless lbelt arranged for travel ontheframework for shifting uncut clothto the cutter for slitting and theslit cloth from the cutter to the winding means, .said shaft beingbodily shiftable relatively to thebelt fora-ecomrnodating increasing-diametrical dimension ofthe wound cloth, and means comprising a weightdepending from said shaft for tensioning the cut cloth during windingthereof upon said shaft.

27. In a bias-cutting machine, a mandrel for receiving the cloth intubular form for cutting7 a cutter on the mandrel, means for shiftingthe cloth in tubular form over and along the mandrel to and about thecutter, and means for expanding the tube about the mandrel and cutterduring shifting.

28. In a`fbiascutting machine, a mandrel for receiving the cloth intubular form for cutting, a cutter on the mandrel, means for shiftingthe cloth in tubular form over and along the mandrel to and about thecutter, and means comprising spaced membersdisposed longitudinally of,and in spaced relation to, the mandrel for expanding the tube about Vthemandrel and cutter during shifting, one of said members being swingablyshiftable relatively tothe other.

29. In a bias-cutting machine, a mandrel for receiving the cloth intubular form for cutting,

a cutter on the mandreLmeans for shifting a` cloth in tubular form overand along the mandrel to and about the cutter, and means comprising aplurality of spaced elongated members disposed longitudinally of, and inspaced relation to, the mandrel for expanding the tube about the mandreland cutter during shifting, one of said members being yieldinglyswingable relatively tothe mandrel.

30. A bias-cutting machine including, Vin combination, a mandrel,v acutter on, and disposed in the plane of, the mandrel, unwindingmechanism comprising a' rotary table for'supporting Va length oftubiformblothfor cutting', winding mechanism `for the cut' cloth, 'meanscomprising an endless belt arranged for Vtravel lin a linear pathtransversely of'andunder 'the mandrel' for shifting the tubiform cloth'from the table'and 'along and about the mandrel'and to 'and Vabout thecutter for slitting the lower run thereof and then shifting the cutcloth from the cutter to the winding mechanism; and means for actuatingthe unwinding "mechanism, theA4 winding mechanism, and the beltinsynchronismf 31. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination,main frame'v'vork,4 auxiliary framework -angularly disposed withrelation to the main framework, a mandrel-structure"'onfthe mainframeworlna cutter' on "the mandrel#struc-- ture, unwinding mechanismcomprising artary table for supporting'adjacent' the ma'ndrpslfturea'length of tubiform clothforcuttingQwinding mechanism atthe'discharg'eend of Ytheaxiliary framework for the cut`cloth,` nie'ansAcomprising an endless belt arranged`for travel on the auxiliaryframework for shifting 'thetubiform cloth from the tableraridV along andabout the mandrel and `t'o"and about *the cutter kfor slitting the lowerrun thereo'f'and'then shifting the` cut cloth from 'the mandrel "to the/winding Winding mechanism, the winding mechanism, and che belt. 32. Abias-cutting machine mldigjin "chihbination, ya. mandrel, afcutter4 on,'andr disposed m the plane of, the mandrel,'unwindingmeeha nismcomprising a 'rotary table' for supporting a length of tubiformjclotn'forfcutting, winding mechanism for the 'cut cloth, meanscomprising an endlessV belt arranged for travel'in a linear pathtransversely of and under themandreland cutter for shifting the uncutcloth from the table and along andabout the mandrel-and to andmechanism, and means for actuating'the unabout the cutter for slittingthe lower run thereof and then shifting the cut cloth from the mandrelto the winding mechanism, means for actuating the unwinding mechanism,the winding mechanism, and the belt, and means for selectively indexingthe speed of movement of the unwinding mechanism.

33. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, av mandrel,acutter on, and disposed in the plane of, the mandrel, unwindingmechanism comprising a` rotary table for supporting a length of tubiformcloth for cutting, winding mechanism for the cut cloth, means comprisingan endless belt arranged for travel in a linear Vpath transversely ofand under the mandrel and cutter for shifting the uncut cloth from thetable and along and about the mandrel and to and about the cutter forslitting the lower run thereof and then shifting the cut cloth from themandrel tothe winding mechanism, means for actuating the unwindingmechanism, the winding mechanism, and the belt, means for visiblyindicating the speed of the` unwinding mechanism `relatively tothe speedVof the winding mechanism, and means for adjustably regulating the speedofthe unwinding mechanism in relation to the speed of the Windingmechanism.

' 34.A bias-cutting machine including,in combination, a framework, amandrel-structure xed on -the framework, a cutter-assembly on themandrel-structure, and `means comprising an endless belt arranged fortravel in a linear path transversely of land under the mandrel structureand cutter assembly for feeding a tubiform cloth along themandrel-structure to/and about the cutter-'assembly for slitting intostrip-form, the cutter-assembly being shiftable relatively to and Withinthe length of the mandrel-structure for varying the Width ofthe cutstrips.

35. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a main framework,an auxiliary framework,V a mandrel-structure xed onV the main framework,a cutter-assembly on Vthe mandrelstructure, and means comprising anendless belt mounted for travel on the auxiliary framework in-a linearpath transversely of and under the mandrel-structure and cutter-assemblyfor feeding uncut cloth along and about the mandrelstructure and-to andabout the cutter for slitting the lower run thereof kand from the cutterover the auxiliary frameworlthe auxiliary framework being shiftablerelatively to the main framework for varying the angularity of travel ofthe belt relatively to the mandrel-structure and the cutter-assemblybeing shiftable relatively to the mandrel-structure for varying thewidth of the cut cloth. 36. A biasecutting machine including, incombination, a xed mandrel, a cutter located intermediate the'length andin the vertical plane of the mandrel, and means for shifting the clothspirally in uncut tube form along and about the mandrel and to and aboutthe cutter for slitting engagement by the cutter with the lower run ofthe cloth tube during shifting thereof.

' EDWARD B. CASE.

